Most Test wickets by an overseas bowler in India

Indian spinners have troubled several great batters over the years bowling on dry pitches in the country. It’s a nightmare for any touring team to bat against Indian spin bowlers in India as they find it difficult to negate the spin threat. However, the tables have also turned on many occasions as the overseas spinners have also troubled Indian batters and outfoxed them in their own den. On that note, let’s take a look at the top three overseas bowlers with the most wickets in India:

3. Richie Benaud (52 wickets)

The legendary Aussie spinner got 248 wickets to his name in his 14-year-long Test career. Benaud scalped 248 wickets in 63 matches at an average of 27.03. In India, the wrist-spinner picker 52 wickets at an average of 18.38, with five five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul to his name. His best-ever bowling figures in an innings came against India, as he picked 7/72 in Chennai in October 1956. Thanks to Benaud’s superb bowling performance, Australia won the Test by an innings and five runs and eventually won the series by 2-0.

2. Derek Underwood (54 wickets)

The English spinner ranks second on the list of most wickets taken by overseas bowlers in India. He has 54 wickets to his name in 16 matches at an average of 26.51. Underwood registered his best-ever figures at the Wankhede Stadiym, where he picked up 5/84 in February 1977.

1. Nathan Lyon (56 wickets)

Nathan Lyon has been one of the finest spinners ever to tour India as he has the most wickets by a touring bowler in the country. In 11 matches played in India, Lyon has claimed 56 wickets at an average of 27.35 with five five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket haul to his name. He registered his best ever figures of his career against India scalping eight wickets for 50 runs in Bengaluru in 2017.